The experience of playing three Deodhar Trophy matches at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack earlier this year came in handy for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja who produced a career-best four-wicket haul to help India spank Sri Lanka in the third One-day International.
Jadeja said he had three very good games in West Zone's Deodhar Trophy triumph in March this year, an experience that made him more confident to exploit the slow and turning wicket at Barabati.
"Barabati is seeming to be a lucky ground for me. I have some very good memories here. Earlier this year I played really well during three games. I knew I was successful here. I was confident so I just carried with the momentum," Jadeja said.
The all-rounder had claimed five wickets and scored 128 runs with an amazing 147-plus strike rate from three outings as their side emerged Deodhar Trophy champions.
In the third ODI against Sri Lanka on Monday, Jadeja was brought on by stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag at a time when the visitors were cruising along for a big total.
"I was a little under pressure as Upul Tharanga was well set and they were going great guns. Virubhai (Sehwag) just told me 'apne andaz se bowl karna, idea laga kar bowl karna' (bowl naturally and intelligently)," said Jadeja.
"So I just tried to bowl in the line and on the right areas. I was getting some turn from the pitch and the wicket was a little slow. I did not try anything extra and I got the prized wicket of Tharanga (73)," Jadeja, who claimed four for 32 in India's seven-wicket win, said.
He, however, regretted at not getting a five-wicket haul. "It was really special last night, but it would have been really great to get my first five-wicket haul. Getting a five-for is really special," said the Saurashtra cricketer.
Jadeja might have just earned his first man-of-the-match in his 12-ODI career last night, but he rates his debut 60 not out against the same opponents as his best.
"Getting a man-of-the-match award is a great achievement and yesterday's (Monday's) was my first. So it has to be one of my best. But, personally, I think my debut knock is closer to my heart as it was my first ODI and I did well remaining unbeaten on 60," said the 21-year-old.
Confident of India clinching the series at Eden Gardens in the fourth ODI, Jadeja said, "Everybody in our team is doing well. Leading 2-1, we just need one match to bag the series. Hope we do it at the Eden."
Jadeja, who recently played Ranji matches at the Eden, said, "It's a batting wicket. We will see how they have prepare the wicket for the ODI."
